‘In Campbell v Bromley Magistrates’ Court [2017] EWCA Civ 1161 the Court of Appeal has confirmed that that there are no “fruits of the forbidden tree” consequences when it comes to the forfeiture of cash seized in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”).’

‘On Wednesday I stressed the importance of pre-action correspondence and how the drafting of a letter before claim can make all the difference between getting what you want quickly and cheaply through focused negotiation and precipitating an expensive and possibly protracted law suit in Pre-Action Correspondence – Not Just a Box to be ticked or a Hoop to be jumped through 2 Aug 2017. Today, I shall tell you what to do if you receive a letter accusing you of infringing a patent or some other intellectual property right.’

‘A 4-week consultation has been launched on the Codes of Practice that will help law enforcement officers confiscate valuable items and other assets acquired using the proceeds of crime as well as tackle the financing of terrorism.’

‘On the 27th April 2017 the Criminal Finance Act (‘CFA 2017’) received Royal Assent. The Criminal Finance Act 2017 ushers in wide-ranging reforms to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (‘POCA 2002’). This article is part of a series of short comment pieces highlighting some of the main changes the CFA 2017 makes. It also covers issues related to Barnaby’s previous piece which set out some of the changes the Criminal Finance Bill enacted.’

‘The human rights group Cage is preparing to mount a legal challenge to UK anti-terrorism legislation over a refusal to hand over mobile and laptop passwords to border control officials at air terminals, ports and international rail stations.’

‘Under the 2010 Bribery Act, bribery is a criminal offence and companies are required to have in place adequate procedures in order to prevent those associated with them from undertaking bribery. Adequate procedures provide the company with a defence to the criminal offences set out in the Act. However, what is often overlooked is the ability of the company to pursue both the recipient of the bribe as well as the briber for its financial losses and, in some cases, damages for fraud.’

‘There was no general rule that there could be no application to the Crown Court under section 59 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 until every issue raised in a judicial review claim had been resolved by a decision of the High Court.’

‘The National Crime Agency claims there is little prospect of completed cases being quashed despite having to launch a review into its use of warrants and production orders following the collapse of major trials.’

‘The National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched an internal inquiry into its use of warrants and production orders following the collapse of major trials, amid warnings that other cases could be in jeopardy.’

‘As the world’s press and public stand vigil in support of Charlie Hebdo and the families of the victims of Wednesday’s attack, we wake this morning to reports that our security services are under pressure and seeking new powers. The spectre of the Communications Data Bill is again evoked. These reports mirror renewed commitments yesterday to new counter-terrorism measures for the EU and in France.’

‘Notwithstanding that the material in question had been seized without good grounds and that the relevant warrants had been quashed, the Crown Court enjoyed jurisdiction to hear an application that material held subsequent to seizure in execution of search warrants should be retained by an investigating authority.’

‘Although customs could only exercise the power under section 139(1) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 to detain goods when those goods were actually liable to forfeiture, they had a general power to detain goods which was ancillary to their power to examine them and conduct and investigation to ascertain whether they were so liable.’

‘Officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are entitled to detain goods pending further investigation where they have “reasonable grounds to suspect” that excise duties have not been paid, the Supreme Court has confirmed.’

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